quick question sold - demo

[karlos13]

hey guys, just had an interesting thought.

If a car is sold to someone (deposit paid) and collection in 2 weeks, can the dealer still legally use the car as a demonstrator? It is has been sold as new and not a demo model??

[Nardi330]

Well until the car is sold (ie. transferred with full payment cleared), it is still the dealer's property so it can do whatever to it as it sees fit.

[Loki556]

I would certainly expect that not to be the case.

The car can sit at the dealership and people can look at it, but it cannot be a demo people drive - as far as I understand its no longer considered a new car.

Also generally speaking demo's are registered in the dealerships name, while a car sold to a customer is unregistered/registered straight to the customer. If a delaership registers the car to themselves they can't sell it as a new car.

[Nardi330]

in theory yes, but dealers can throw a trade plate on the back and take it out for a spin.

it's usually rare but if they want to they can.

[Sutty]

If it was my car that they were using as a demo, legal or not, I wouldn't be buying it.

[karlos13]

i didn't think it was the case, but i just wanted to check.

picking up the car in two weeks from an interstate dealer and just wanted to see how it works. If it has another 50 or so k's on it i am not going to worry, but if it has 200-300 i will be voicing my concern.

[Type[R]+]

I've never been able to get in a sold car before, let alone drive one at any dealership anywhere in Aust where ever I've looked at cars.

I'm sure it does happen though.

[Billy2224]

the dealers take them for a spin, it happens but not always

[mikedsilva]

you found a dealer willing to sell their 86 demo already? they must be mad.

Anyways, if we sell a demonstrator, then we do not drive it for any means unless it is for the preparation of the new owner. Ie, getting a roadworthy, having accessories fitted etc. It does not get driven by staff nor does it get used on test drives.

If you are concerned, you should ring them to clarify NOW, not voice your concern after the event has happened.

[Type[R]+]

Originally Posted by mikedsilva

you found a dealer willing to sell their 86 demo already? they must be mad.

Anyways, if we sell a demonstrator, then we do not drive it for any means unless it is for the preparation of the new owner. Ie, getting a roadworthy, having accessories fitted etc. It does not get driven by staff nor does it get used on test drives.

If you are concerned, you should ring them to clarify NOW, not voice your concern after the event has happened.

He was worried that his car would be used as a demonstrator.

[mikedsilva]

sorry
totally mis read that.
If you are buying a new car, then the dealer should NEVER use it to demo another customer.

[Calais]

theres a how many km's when delivered thread now, when you pick up your car compare it to what everyone around your area is getting when new considering how many k's are on your car upon delivery you'll know if it was missused

[karlos13]

thanks guys, that puts me at ease somewhat - the dealer seems really helpful so i am not too concerned and will keep this in mind - two weeks until my journey back to brsbane!